On March 17, under a clear blue sky with an F-35 bearing the Danish flag on its tail, Defense Chief Michael Hyldgaard announced that the new fighter jets of the Royal Danish Air Force are officially ready to be integrated into the country’s air defense.
“This is a great day for Denmark. The Armed Forces should be proud, especially the Skrydstrup Fighter Wing. It has been a long and complex process, but we have reached this point thanks to the efforts of many involved,” stated Hyldgaard.
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Starting from April 1, 2025, the F-35s will gradually replace the F-16s, taking over air patrol missions and defending against foreign aircraft. During the initial months, both aircraft will operate together, but the goal is for the F-35s to fully take over F-16 missions in the coming years.
F-35: A Milestone for Danish Defense
According to Acting Defense Chief Michael Hyldgaard, the introduction of the F-35 brings a significant strategic advantage:
“The F-35 can deter threats, protect our territory, and strengthen military cooperation with NATO allies and partners in the F-35 program.”
Major General Jan Dam, Chief of the Air Force Command, highlighted the challenges faced during the transition:
“Building the entire F-35 infrastructure, equipping buildings, training mechanics, planners, weapons specialists, and pilots, all while gradually phasing out the F-16, was a major challenge. But we did it!”
Denmark’s Air Force now joins an elite group of nations already operating the F-35 fighter jets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Italy, and Japan.
What to Expect in the Coming Months?
- Transition phase: Initially, F-35s will operate alongside F-16s on missions.
- Full replacement: In the coming years, F-35s will assume all tasks currently performed by F-16s.
- NATO integration: The new fleet will enhance Denmark’s interoperability with alliance partners.
- Strengthened defense: The presence of the F-35 improves response capabilities against foreign threats.
With the F-35 now officially ready, Denmark takes a significant step towards the future of military aviation, ensuring air superiority and effective defense for years to come.
Source: forsvaret. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
